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Mystician bismarck state college
[VOLUME 74|ISSUE 2|OCTOBER 2012]
President addresses campus safety alyssa meier [editor-in-chief] A Bismarck State College student was recently struck by a vehicle while using a campus crosswalk. The student’s name and condition have not been released. In response to the incident, BSC President Larry Skogen sent out an email to students addressing the problem. Skogen made it a point to remind students that pedestrians have the right of way at every crosswalk and intersection. While drivers are encouraged to be always aware of these areas, as well as any people near them, pedestrians also need to pay attention when crossing roadways. Skogen recalled a day when he was almost hit by a car driven by someone who was also texting.
BSC officials are currently working on a solution to the problem, but nothing has been decided yet. In the meantime, BSC students, employees and visitors are encouraged to stay alert while traveling on campus. Driving is a privilege, but also a great responsibility. If one does not pay attention for even a split-second, many others can be injured.
photo [jack pieper]
“Had I not stopped, she would have hit me,” Skogen said.
Student uses her cell phone while crossing a street at BSC. Another student was recently hit while using the cross walk on the BSC campus.
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“ “ “ Kill a bear... with my ‘bear’ hands -Dillon Leland
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Take a deep breath, and become members of society once again. -Emily Poppe Pg|16
So much of what he did over the years can’t be seen ... -Lee Friese Pg|6
Volleyball Invitational Oct. 13-14 Pg|19
Fire takes home of BSC student shannon hawkins [news editor]
photo [ben jyring]
The people of Steele, North Dakota awoke to a chaotic mess the morning of Aug. 12, when the Lone Steer Motel, just off of Interstate 94, burned to the ground.
Sadaf Akhtar examines what is left of her families home and business just weeks after it burned to the ground.
“My family and everyone in the hotel was sleeping,” Sadaf Akhtar, daughter of the motels owner and Bismarck State College student, said about the morning of the fire. “One of the people who was staying there smelled the fire and heard the fire alarms, [he] woke up, and realized there was a fire in the building.” At least 50 guests and boarders were ordered to leave the building,
but the flames reached a point where some victims had to crawl out of the second story windows in order to escape. Everyone who was in the motel made it out safely, and no one was harmed. The Steele Fire Department, along with the fire department from nearby Kidder County, were called in to fight the flames, but the fire had advanced to a point where it could not be fought internally. Firefighters moved outside to see if flames could be extinguished from an external point, but the fire had already burned through a majority of the building. The determination of whether a building can be saved during a fire is if firefighters will be safe in putting out the flames. read more pg|5
alyssa meier [editor-in-chief]
L etter from the e d it or Dear readers,
nelly straub [design editor]
alesha pfennig [content editor]
june hunt [web editor]
Stop. For one minute just stop everything. Forget work and school. Forget about your papers and projects. Forget about your empty gas tank and even emptier wallet. Just forget everything and breathe. College isn’t easy. Big surprise right? Your time is spent either in class, on your way to class, or doing something in preparation for class - all while trying to figure out which sweats you haven’t worn yet this week and how many different things you can make with ramen noodles. We push ourselves to the point of insanity and are surprised when we finally snap. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Don’t push yourself aside. Your education is important, but so is your happiness. So in between the all-nighters and junk food binges, take some time for you.
ben jyring [graphic editor]
shannon hawkins
[news editor]
jack pieper [life editor]
jhett cihak [sports editor]
[Staff] Jenni Berg Indy Castellanos Liz Hanson Josh Knels Katie Marthaller Jenny Messer Desiree Pinks [Contributing Writers] Cameron Bartch Corden Drift Tanner Garen Trisha Grevson Sean Hushagen Jacob Kelly Sarah Morris Lyndsey Person Emily Poppe Dakota Stein
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[Videographers] Austin Balk Allison Keigley Katie Marthaller Michael Myers Angele Ngante Alesha Pfennig Mercer Sage Jerrod Schumacher Jacob Wentz
Comments/questions? 315 Schafer Hall 701.224.5467 editor@mystician.org
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4|B SC security Pink Heals Tour 5|M otel fire cont. Adjunct teacher claimed by cancer 6|D eath sparks toolbox program National Guard
photo [dan bauer]
Jeff Herdebu [BSC Security Officer]
Security guard keeps an eye on campus
Can you give us some life background?
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I grew up in Baldwin, North Dakota, and I’ve been in the National Guard and the Army. The time in between them was about fifteen years, twelve in the Army, three in the National Guard. I served in Desert Shield/ Desert Storm, in the Army. I’m 45, got a wife and four kids, and about to be two grandkids. I’m a graduate of BSC, got my associate’s in biology.
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Where can we find you on campus?
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Everywhere. The reason for it is, if I have a pattern, everybody will know where I’m supposed to be at, and then they can pull stuff everywhere else. And I’m only one guy, so if you stay random, they don’t have a chance to do that. I lock the buildings up in a different order every day.
What does a job as a security guard entail? It’s 90% prevention. It’s mostly just making people know that I am here. Prior to John getting hired on, I worked days. There were a lot of things going on on campus in the evenings because everybody
Do you check dumpsters? No, I just look at them on Thursdays and Friday nights. Just look on in, and see if there are some empty beer boxes in them. *laughs* I’m not dumpsterdiving. They’ll be buying them ... and carry them back to their dorms. They’ll carry them in in their backpacks, walk into their dorm room, and put them in the fridge. That’s average, sneaky is just carrying bottles in their coats.
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I get some smart-alecs sometimes, but usually they don’t bite, just bark.
-Jeff Herdebu
photo [dan bauer]
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ben jyring [graphic editor]
knew I wasn’t here. Now that I’m back on nights things have settled down again. And sometimes I get called over for silly stuff, like burnt popcorn and things like that. Happens all the time, people just over-nuke their popcorn.
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Jeff Herdebu, nighttime security guard at BSC gives students an inside look at his life on and off campus.
Jeff Herdebu stops at the Mystician office to check on editors, Nelly Straub and Alesha Pfennig on his nightly routine walk throughs.
What’s the worst accident or occurrence you’ve seen in this line of work?
The girl getting knocked out of the crosswalk a couple years ago. She got knocked halfway across it, on Edwards and Schafer. That was in 2009, I think. There was this kid driving down the hill with a paper-plate-sized whole scraped out of the ice on his windshield, and he just knocked her straight to the curb. *laughs* She went to class anyway. I tried to explain to her that you need to go to the hospital and see if you’ve got a ruptured spleen or something, because most times you can’t tell until you’re dead. She just went to class anyways, said she had a paper to turn in. Must have been
a pretty important paper. *laughs* She was fine, I guess. Never heard anything else about it.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? The students. Some of them still treat me like I’m a cop. I’m just here to make sure that everybody has a good, peaceful life in college. I’m not here to bust heads and be a jerk, because I don’t have to. I get some smartalecs sometimes, but usually they don’t bite, just bark. Most of the students here are really smart though. Just remember, don’t cuss out your teachers. There’s not a lot of trouble with that, but just maintaining respect is the best way to have a good time here in college.
Pink Heals stops in North Dakota katie marthaller [writer] The Pink Heals Tour is a group of pink fire trucks that travel around North Dakota and the United States, and stopped in Bismarck on Monday Sept. 3 with fire trucks covered in people’s names. Family and friends can write the name of someone battling, a survivor or a person who lost their life to cancer. “Pink is the color for women and women heal, that is where the name Pink Heals comes from,” Dave Graybill, founder of the Pink Heals said. The trucks may be pink, the color known mostly for breast cancer, but it supports any type of cancer awareness.
Traveling to 46 states out of 50, Pink Heals has visited 380 cities across the United States. The only states it has not visited are Alaska, Hawaii, Maine and Michigan. “My favorite places to tour are Florida and Texas because they give the most respect toward the tour,” Graybill said. Pink Heals sell sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweatpants and hats. The proceeds go toward the cost of fuel and maintenance of the trucks. In the event someone is not able to attend, they can still go online and order merchandise and help the trucks keep on rolling at www.pinkfiretrucks.org. photo [jamee milbradt]
Graybill got the idea in 2007 and started Pink Heals national
tour in 2008. The tour lasts five months, and during the tour, Gaybrill leaves his wife and two children at home. The trucks are named after women that impacted Graybill’s life at some point.
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Pink firetrucks make a pit stop in Bismarck/Mandan during the Pink Heals Tour. The trucks have been touring the United States to increase cancer awareness since 2008.
Mystician | October 2012
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Student affected by motel fire continued from pg|1
“If it’s safe for firefighters to execute an attack, we’ll do it,” Fire Chief Stuart Thontson of Steele’s fire department said. Any evidence that led to the cause of the fire had been destroyed. According to an Aug. 13 story on the Bismarck Tribune website, police were able to track and arrest Alan Thomas, a 50 year old man from Texas. Thomas stayed in the Lone Steer Motel and fled to Bismarck shortly after the fire was ignited, later admitting to causing the crime after his arrest. On Aug. 15, WDAY 6 NEWS website reported that Thomas was charged with arson and attempted manslaughter. His bond is set at 1 million dollars, and it is estimated that he caused at least 1.5 million dollars in damages. Thomas is being held at the McLean County Jail in Washburn because the Burleigh and Morton County jail houses are too full. This isn’t the first time the Akhtar family has lost a home. Just before moving to North Dakota to purchase the motel, the family had been living in Washington tate, where their home had burned
down. The loss of the Lone Steer Motel brings the Akhtar’s back to that same position. Two days after the fire, Akhtar was taken to BSC to move into her dorm. She had two bags packed and ready to take to her new room before her belongings were lost in the fire. When she arrived on campus, she had nothing to move in with, except for the clothes that she had been wearing since the morning of the fire. “The only thing I was able to grab was my purse, my phone, phone charger, car keys and that’s it,” Akhtar said of what she took with her when escaping the burning motel. “Everyone got out, but sitting there and watching your house burn down is the worst feeling.”
her parents do plan to relocate the family to Chicago within the next year. She is thankful that her family was able to make it out of the fire alive and safe.
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shannon hawkins [news editor]
... but the next morning you have to wake up and face the reality. -Sadaf Akhtar
While Akhtar is re-adjusting to a new dorm room, the family is re-adjusting to living in their camper in Steele. Five sons, an aunt, a mother and father is not enough room for a standard camper, especially with sleeping and eating space. There is one other brother attending school at the University of Mary.
Akhtar is facing a different situation than what most 18-yearolds go through during their sophomore year of college. Not only is she a full time student, keeping up with homework, holding down two part-time jobs and working hard to maintain a social life, she is her family’s only source of income. Sleep has become a precious luxury to Akhtar, but keeping busy is one of her ways of distracting herself from her family’s tragedy.
Akhtar is concerned because it gets extremely cold at night. Her parents are currently looking for a house, but have been unsuccessful so far. Akhtar has stated that
“It’s one of those things where you have to force yourself to move on, or you’re going to be stuck in the past,” Akhtar said. “It’s reality. You can stay in your dreams, but
every night you go to bed and you dream, but the next morning you have to wake up and face the reality. I’m literally pulling myself away from all of it and burying myself in school. I have to stay strong so that my parents can stay strong. Me and my brothers are the only things my parents have.” Akhtar has not had to worry about the cost of her sophomore year. BSC has paid for her school books and tuition while friends have helped her with decorations for her room and any other supplies needed. Akhtar’s new job has been very generous since finding out what she has gone through, purchasing items for her family and giving her gas money to get the supplies home. “They went out of their way,” Akhtar said. “They’re doing this for me. That’s a big deal.” Aktar is no longer taking life for granted and has walked away with a strong message after what she has experienced. “You can’t look at the past,” Akhtar said. “You can’t go ‘What if this, what if that.’ We are thankful for what we have. I have my family. We’re healthy, we’re perfectly fine. None of the people got hurt. Everyone got out safe. That’s the biggest thing for me is we’re all safe.”
“Being a good employee is asking ‘Do you have the heart of the college when you’re teaching your classes,’” Rolandelli said.
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2012|Mystician
Along with teaching, Pusc
Pusc was a very funny, animated teacher who took his students on field trips and donated time when they needed assistance with classes.
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“He taught Geology in the fall and Geography in the Spring,” Associate Professor of Biology Jean Rolandelli said about Pusc. “He was a nice guy, came highly recommended, and highly reliable. He was always on time, and he was super helpful with the kids.”
“I remember when the flood of 2011 was happening and the city of Bismarck had him speak about the groundwater during one of their press conferences,” Assistant Porfessor of Geographic Information Systems Angie Milakovic said. “He was a fantastic speaker. I hope his words set the people of Bismarck/Mandan more at ease during that disaster. He was always helpful, had great
innovative ways of teaching and will be very missed by his students and the BSC family.”
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Pusc was born on March 26, 1952 in Minot, graduating from Parshall High School and moved on to Minot State University where he graduated with a degree in education. He became a member of the Tau Kappa
After teaching in Medina, North Dakota and in St. Mary grade schools, Pusc attended the University of Idaho to study Geology and Hydrogeology and eventually returned to ND.
coached a few sports teams through the community and was very dedicated in supporting his players. He was also an active member in helping the Bismarck/Mandan residents.
life
On Sept. 13, Bismarck State College’s Steve Pusc, an adjunct professor, lost his battle to cancer. A funeral service was held for him on Sept. 20 at Lord of Life Lutheran church with a tremendous turnout of family, friends and colleagues.
Epsilon Fraternity house during his time at the university.
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shannon hawkins [news editor]
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Cancer claims BSC professor
photo [ben jyring]
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Only a spiral staircase and charred rubble remain after the Lone Steer Motel caught fire on August 12.
Pusc is remembered by his wife, Collette, who he married on Sept 26, 1981, two daughters, Stephanie and Ivy, the faculty and staff at BSC and, most importantly, his classmates.
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Instructor death prompts toolbox program
Gunsch began teaching at BSC in 1978 when the school was still known as Bismarck Junior College. He spent 34 years sharing his knowledge and passion for the automotive technology field with his students. Before his death, Gunsch told BSC Connections that students “give the job meaning.”
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In May of 2012, health problems forced Associate Professor Dean Gunsch to retire from his job of teaching automotive technology courses at Bismarck State College. Gunsch died three months later.
After his death, Gunsch continues to impact students. This fall, BSC launched the Dean D. Gunsch Toolbox Program to assist students entering the automotive technology field. The program saves students up to $4,000 by providing toolboxes for use while studying at BSC. At the end of their time at the school, the toolboxes will be available for purchase at a discounted cost. The program is one of many that Gunsch worked on during his time at the school. “Dean was very dedicated to the program and to students,” Department Chair and Associate Professor of Automotive Technology Lee Friese said to BSC Connections. “So much of what he did over the years can’t be seen, so we wanted this program, the last of his many contributions, to have his name on it.” BSC Connections can be found on the Bismarck State College website.
BSC automotive technology instructor Dean Gunsch retired in May of 2012 due to health problems and died in August.
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During his time at the school, Gunsch and the automotive technology department received national recognition. He earned a top educator award in 1993 for scoring the highest in a national advanced engine performance test. In 1992, an application that he submitted to the Automotive Industry Planning Council earned automotive technology
the title of best college program in the United States.
photo [bsc college relations]
alyssa meier [editor-in-chief ]
National Guard recruits BSC students josh knells [writer]
photo [jenny messer]
When someone thinks of the U.S. Military, most often think of the Army, Navy or the Marines. While these three branches
are indeed important, it is the National Guard that defends the soil on our turf. Not only does the National Guard serve our country like other comrades in arms, they are also there for natural disasters; floods for example. The National Guard is also first
Representative Jesse Klein meets with a prospective guard member.
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on the front line to defend our country against foreign threats that attempt to attack the United States directly. So why should college students consider joining the National Guard over other branches of the military?
“The National Guard provides basic training and experience,” Jesse Klein, National Guard Representative, said. “When the student wishes to transfer to another branch of the military, such as the Navy, the student will have preference over those who wish to join without training. The student also has the choice to stay with the Guard or be released.” Students who join get their college tuition paid for. Students who serve get $575 a month for active service, and possibly $200 if they choose to enlist in a critical skill. This money is non-taxable. Members of the National Guard are given health and dental plans for themselves and their family, paid tuition, student loans repaid, and paid training.
The National Guard doesn’t give handouts. Like every military branch, members will need to work. Basic military training and helping out their community are tasks a student will have to commit to. The dangers of natural disasters are present. However, as members of the Guard, students will have to put their safety aside to help others in need of assistance. In the case of an attack, the students will put their military training to the test to fight against threats. Whichever branch of the military students chooses to join, the National Guard stands out as the ‘home team’ of the military. First to defend, first to action, the National Guard is always a legitimate choice for a student to make. The benefits, experience and dangers are waiting for those who wish to join the Guard. For more information on the Guard, contact Jesse Klein at 1-701-4262034, jesseklein@us.army.mil, or at his office at 2930 N 14th Street, Suite 4, Bismarck, N.D.
Mystician | October 2012
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life
8 | A vegetarian life Zech Sherman 9 | Johnny Holm visits BSC Fall play
10 | What’s up with the President? Music Enrollment 11 | Student bucket list 12 | D ate night ideas Fashion profiles
photo [alyssa meier]
Zech Sherman [BSC student]
A new diet offers a longer life indy castellanos [writer]
photo [indy castellanos]
Think about a Thanksgiving dinner, where the menu consists of mashed potatoes, various pies and turkey. After consuming all this food, a person is immediately ready for a nap. One of the main culprits that cause a person to feel lethargic after a Thanksgiving feast is turkey. Like many meats, turkey contains fat and cholesterol. These are the last nutrients the body can digest, causing us to feel quite tired throughout the process. If a person wants to have energy throughout the day, they want to choose foods that are low in fat, and high in vitamins and minerals.
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“You are what you eat,” they say. This phrase is one everyone has heard once or twice in his or her lifetime. Although not to be taken literally, it has indeed been proven that what we consume on a daily basis has a great effect on a person’s health and well-being and can have long term effects in life.
As we learned in elementary school, fruits and vegetables are good for the body. They also provide the vitamins and minerals essential in a daily diet. Vegetarians, whose diets exclude meat and include a vast majority of fruits and vegetables, have been found to be at a lower risk for developing many health problems including colon cancer, heart disease and clogged arteries. One of the most shocking and revealing studies was conducted from 1978 to 1999 by the German Cancer Research Center. The study followed 1,904 vegetarians over 21 years. The results found that vegetarian men reduced their risk of premature death by 50 percent and vegetarian women reduced their risk by 30 percent.
Fruits and vegetables symbolize the idea of a healthier lifestyle through a vegan or a vegitarian diet. “In college, first year Biology 101 we were introduced to the relationship between how many acres it takes to produce a pound of beef or a loaf of bread,” Tayo Basquiat, the Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Bismarck State College, said. “I had never thought about the amount of food that we consume as meat eaters, so my first move was to be a vegetarian.” Basquiat demonstrates that there are a multitude of reasons a person chooses to become vegetarian, much more than strictly health concerns. Many environmentalists will not consume meat because of land degradation used for mass production of meat. Some religions restrict the consumption of meat for spiritual fulfillment. Others choose a veggie lifestyle as a way to promote animal rights. Regardless of the reason a person chooses this lifestyle, becoming a vegetarian is a way to improve health. If one were looking to make this change, a person should consider starting with one that
is less restrictive and gradually moving to a stricter diet if preferred. The popular ovolacto veggie diet consists of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds and dairy products such as milk and eggs. On the other end of the spectrum are Vegan diets. Vegans still consume a majority of fruits and vegetables but exclude all animal based products such as: milk, eggs, cheese and honey. A common misconception about vegetarians is that they do not receive all the essential nutrients in their diet. When further researched however, one can see that all the daily nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, it can be easy to create a diverse diet and still receive the essential nutrients. “Most of the foods that are plant based anyway have some protein in them.” Basquiat said. “It’s just a matter of eating enough of those foods.” It is essential that when choosing this new way of eating for a person to educate himself or herself of what foods can be consumed so
Student finds inner strength alyssa meier [editor-in-chief ] He makes his way to Bismarck State College every morning before his schedule requires. He makes his way around the campus: seeking the sun, seeking a cool breeze of wind, seeking the perfect spot.
He rises from the ground to his feet to practice Tai Chi and lowers back to the ground for yoga. His bare feet dig into the earth as he stretches and sways as if swimming through the air, no longer abiding by the law of gravity. Sherman started yoga and
Tai Chi two years ago as an escape from a world of drugs he became trapped in while living in Fargo. For the sake of his family and friends, he said he “transformed” himself, moving to Bismarck and working towards his entrepreneur degree. Little did he know the difference that this would have on his life. He dropped 70 pounds after adding the exercises to his daily routine. Along with his body, something inside of him
According to the Food and Drug Administration, most fruits contain one gram of protein per cup of fruit. Most vegetables contain small amounts of protein as well, the vegetables with the most protein being, potatoes, broccoli and corn. To receive essential carbohydrates and fats, a vegetarian consumes legumes, beans, grains, nuts and seeds, which are all rich in these nutrients. If one were looking to become a vegetarian it is best to start with a gradual transitional change. There is always the option of quitting cold turkey, no pun intended, but drastic changes to a person’s diet cause an upset digestive system. It is best for a person to increase intake of fruits and vegetables slowly, while decreasing meat intake. The health benefits will be apparent within the first few weeks of a vegetarian diet as person’s energy levels will go up. Along with newfound energy, one can feel great knowing they are reducing many health concerns.
was being affected. After each session, Sherman was swept over by a high that he said is more powerful than one from any drug he has ever done. The 22-year-old plans on finishing his degree and one day opening a holistic healing center – a place where individuals can go to practice an array of therapeutic exercises and techniques such as reiki – a japanese palm healing practice – acupuncture and, of course, Tai Chi.
photo [alyssa meier]
Zech Sherman kicks off his worn shoes and sprawls on the lawn like it is a bed he has been away from for too long. His long
hair - rather, his mane - fans out behind him, intertwining with the leaves and the grass. He resembles someone out of a photograph taken at Woodstock.
essential nutrients are received.
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Zech Sherman opens his arms to the natural energy he possesses while practicing Thai Chi and Yoga outside of BSC.
Mystician | October 2012
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BSC welcomes Johnny Holm jack pieper [life editor] For those who have grown up in the Mid-West, the Johnny Holm Band has been a household name. The Johnny Holm Band visited Bismarck State College’s campus last week for the Agriculture, Technology and Natural Resource Club’s AgriBash fundraiser.
photo [jack pieper]
The band is composed of six members – Johnny Holm and his daughter Jordan Holm on vocals, Scott Pearson on drums, Jeff Downs on keyboard, Jeremiah Witucki on bass guitar and Jake Jackson on guitar.
Johnny Holm interacts with his Bismarck State College fans.
The concert attracted over 600 students, who heard many different styles and genres of music to suit nearly any taste, from AC/DC to Taylor Swift. The Johnny Holm Band’s performance was extremely successful, and the crowd’s reaction confirmed that. The band brought a fun, music-filled performance to the AgriBash that kept students dancing, singing along and having an overall great time.
The Agriculture, Technology and Natural Resource Club offers many leadership opportunities and anyone can join. For more information about the club, contact Craig Kleven by phone at (701)-224-5409 or by email at craig.kleven@bismarckstate.edu The ATNR Club would like to thank their sponsors who helped make this event possible:
Scheels Runnings Pulse USA Gate City Bank RDO Equipment Starion Financial Puklich Chevrolet Kupper Chevrolet Bobcat of Mandan Dan’s Supermarket Farm Credit Sevices TwinCity Implement Wallwork Truck Center BSC Alumni Association Dakota Community Bank
Fall play comes to BSC shannon hawkins [news editor] The drama department at Bismarck State College will step up their Irish jigs in the fall play “Dancing at Lughnasa,” which was released in 1990 by Brian Friel. The play centers around the five Mundy sisters during the Depression of Ireland in 1936. Chris, played by BSC freshman Kayla Hill, is the youngest of the sisters and has a seven-year-old son Michael.
Described as simple, Rosie is the second youngest sister played by sophomore Jaime Houser.
Agnus, played by recent
“I am the character who, no matter how intense the moment, would be the one to come out with a joke,” DeKrey said. The oldest of the Mundy clan is Kate, played by Shelby Johnson, also a freshman. Kate is a school teacher in the village and the main source of income for the sisters. Because of that, she is the leader of her siblings and sets down the rules for everyone. There are situations where she thinks her decisions are right when she’s wrong. There is a lot of symbolism in the play between the Catholic and Pagan religions.
The story is told from Michael’s point of view as a 35-year-old man. Brandon Wetch, a sophomore at BSC, is the voice of Michael recounting his experiences as the sevenyear-old boy watching the depression and personal problems unravel the lives of the sisters. “You’re never bored,” Hill said. “I don’t think there’s ever a dull moment. Refer to back page for play dates and times.
Dakota Stage Ltd. presents
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Oct. 11-13 and 17-20 at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Lack of income and an overbearing older sister isn’t the only problem. Michael’s estranged father, Gerry Evans played by BSC
He never stays long enough to make Chris his wife, yet she can’t fight her love for him and wants him to stay, causing conflict in her and her son’s life.
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A thrilling tale of madness and murder by Jeffrey Hatcher Directed by Emmalee Riegler Produced through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service
“There is a scene where the radio turns on,” Hill said. “We call it Marconi. One of the sisters starts dancing, and, before we know it, we all start dancing. But, because we’re so oppressed, we’re not dancing nicely. It’s very all out. We go crazy for a scene. We have one sister dancing on the table ... other sisters drumming on each other. It’s very crazy, and that’s very interesting because it’s just been hell bent for so long.”
The actors described Evans’ character as a “Let-me-playthe-game-kind-of-guy,” which explained his flirtatious chasing after Agnus as well as Chris.
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DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HyDE
The era of the depression takes a toll on the sisters. Eventually, they find a way to bring happiness back to their little cottage.
freshman Zack Watson, returns to Ireland after a year to court Chris.
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“She has a mental handicap, so all the sisters are very protective of her,” Houser said.
The second oldest sister, Maggie, is played by BSC freshman Allison DeKrey.
“There’s Lughnasa, which is a Pagan holiday,” Hill said. “There’s a giant festival. There’s dancing. We love to dance. We want to be a part of it, but, because of our nature, we can’t. We are very oppressed from that.”
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“We have Irish dialect,” Hill said. “So, that’s kind of a cool thing.”
graduate Tiara Maxon, is the middle sister. She is the most protective of Rosie. She and Rosie knit gloves and sell them in the village of Ballbeg as a small source of income for the family.
News
Tickets: $18 for adults $15 for students, seniors & military
For tickets and information: www.dakotastageltd.com execdir@dakotastageltd.com 701.258.4998 Dakota Stage Ltd. 412 E. Main Ave, Bismarck
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2012|Mystician
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Box office open: Mon.-Fri. 12-1 p.m. & 5-6 p.m. Ask about “Date Night” and our special dining package option with
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What’s up with the president? News
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Here is another look into the life of President Larry Skogen. If you have something you would like to ask him, send your questions to editor@mysitician.org. Stay tuned for more from the Mystician and from Dr. Larry Skogen. alyssa meier [editor-in-chief ]
“When [I was] a teenager I rode dirt and mini-bikes. It was just a fun thing to do. After I entered the Air Force I stopped riding for many years. My older brother has had bikes as long as I can remember. His first was
Who do you ride with? “I frequently take vacations on the bike with my brother. But I do ride with friends here in Bismarck. And the BSC Foundation hosts a President’s Run each year for the last four years at which we raise money for scholarships. A number of bikers and folk with convertibles and sports cars ride to some location for a tour and lunch. Finally, I do like riding by myself at times. This summer I rode to Las Vegas for a convention I had to attend. It was far better than flying.”
What kind of motorcycle do you have?
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How did you start riding motorcycle?
a 26” bicycle that he modified with an old small engine. Then he had larger and larger bikes. Whenever we visited, he’d always have his bikes. Every time I’d say something like, “One of these days…..” Finally, about 15 or 17 years ago we were together and I said, “One of these days….” He said, “Either get a bike or shut up. I’m tired of your saying that.” So I said to him, “You find me
a bike and I’ll buy it.” He did. A few weeks later I flew from Colorado to California where I bought the bike he’d found and I rode it back to Colorado. I’ve been riding ever since.”
“I have a 2008 Victory Vision red touring bike.”
courtesy of [debbie van berkom]
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How do you feel when you’re riding?
President Skogen shows off his ‘08 Victory Vision bike.
“I don’t have to answer any phones; I don’t listen to anything but the sounds of the bike, the wind, and other motor vehicles on the highway. I enjoy the freedom of it being just the machine and me. It’s exhilarating.”
What is your favorite part of it? “My favorite part is having a sense of accomplishing something after completing a trip. It’s a different thing to ride 1,000
miles on a motorcycle than it is to drive it in a car or fly there on an airplane. When one gets to a destination one has a far better sense of accomplishment. There’s a bit of danger, a bit of adrenalin, a bit of overcoming the elements, a bit of overcoming fear. There’s not much of that driving a car.”
Do you have a favorite motorcycle trip that you have been on? “My brother and I rode 1,000 miles from San Diego to the tip of Baja, Mexico, and back. I was living in Wyoming at the time, so I actually started and ended there, but the trip down and back the length of Baja was extraordinary. The Sea of Cortez on the eastside of Baja is beautiful and parts of the trip included riding along it. The Pacific on the west side of Baja is beautiful, too. And the desert in between is ruggedly exotic. The only highway zigzags from west to east and back a couple of times, so you get the flavor of the entire Baja. That was surely the best trip I’ve ever taken.”
Anything else you would like us to know about riding motorcycle? “Riding a motorcycle requires a lot of respect for the machine, the limitations of the machine, the highway, and the other traffic on the highway. One must be physically and mentally engaged in riding the entire time. There’s no daydreaming when riding a bike at 75 mph down the highway.”
Music department faces low enrollment Student enrollment is down, and classes are paying the price. Bismarck State College’s Wind Ensemble numbers have dropped from last year’s 30 students to having only 19 students at the beginning of the semester. This is mirrored in the Jazz Ensemble, which had 20 students last year and only started with 10 students. “I have had to reprogram some of the music from its original state simply because we do not have enough bodies,” Dr. Darling, the music program coordinator, said. Dr. Darling has had some of his current students get in contact with their old band mates to try and encourage them to join a band class. With the work of some of his students, he has bumped up his
numbers to 24 in Wind Ensemble and 13 in Jazz. These are not the numbers he would ultimately like, but he is happy having more students participating.
students are in their playing abilities. Most of the music classes also count toward enrichment credits, which everyone needs to graduate,” Dr. Darling said.
“I have had to order new music for the Jazz Band. The new ‘nonet’ music is Italian for a nine horn band. The Jazz Band is also playing more from a combo style of music arranged for a smaller ensemble. I am trying to incorporate more vocal features for BSC’s voice major students, like Alex Kottre and Stephen Gefroh,” Dr. Darling said.
Participation in bands can be a release from the stress of studying and Dr. Darling invites people
“There are no tryouts for the bands at BSC all of the ensembles are open to people on campus as well as in the community. Anyone who has the desire to play can, but I would like to listen to people interested so I can get a feel for where prospective
Bismarck / Mandan
Saturday
October 6
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Bismarck State College’s Jazz Band practices an Italian nonet.
Out of the Darkness Walk State Capitol Grounds
2012 10:00 am–12:00 pm
who are interested in being part of the bands to come and listen to see how they may fit the group. Both classes meet in rehearsal room 177 in the Leach Music Center. Wind Ensemble meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3 p.m. Jazz Ensemble meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 p.m.
photo [alyssa meier]
sean hushagen [writer]
Register by 1:00 pm
October 5
www.outofthedarkness.org
Proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
For more information:
Susan H. Wagner
701-328-8941 Brenda Bergan 701-223-8095
Mystician | October 2012
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our bucket list
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Students show off their sense of style desiree pinks [writer]
Deanna graduated from Bismarck High School. She is a freshman at Bismarck State College taking generals. What’s you’re favorite fashion trend? “Modern” What is your favorite local store? “The Buckle and Lot 2029”
Favorite color to wear? “Whatever doesn’t match”
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Cristiano is a freshman here at Bismarck State College. His favorite class is computer systems. His favorite teacher is “Dr. Dre,” and in his free time he, “stays schemin.’” His favorite thing about fall is all of the college parties.
What is your favorite non-local store? “Urban outfitters”
Favorite local store? “Disco and PacSun”
What kind of trends do you not follow? “Cowgirl boots and bell-bottom jeans”
Favorite non-local store? “Billionaire Boys Club”
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What kind of trends do you not follow? “The Buckle”
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What’s your favorite style or trend? “Tanks with something buttoned or hooded over it”
photo [jenny messer]
Celebrity I look to for style? “A mix between Wiz Khalifa and Bob Dylan”
$5000 shopping spree, what would you spend it on? “Hats, Sunglasses, and jewelry”
Cristiano Brownotter aka CBO
Deanna Price
photo [jenny messer]
Heels or flats? “Mostly flats” Who is your fashion role model? “I don’t have a specific model I go by” What is your favorite way to accessorize? “Earrings and belts” $5,000 shopping spree, what would you spend it on? “I would buy a lot of outfits and several designer jeans”
Stop the dating routine and try something new Although relatively a small town, Bismarck has much to offer in terms of finding new and exciting places to see and explore. Couples do not always have to go on the same type of date. There are many restaurants and activities that just need a little seeking out to find.
Romantic and charming
East 40 is a charming little place where couples have been known to become engaged. Couples can enjoy food such as beer battered onion rings, seared ahi tuna, gyros, fresh caught salmon, crème brúlee and so much more. Specials only found at East 40 include dishes like Burleigh Onion Soup, which is made with caramelized onions in stock, with garlic crouton and gruyere cheese, and the East 40 Pizza which starts with house red sauce, and then topped with olives, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, pineapple sambal, mozzarella, parmesan and red onions. The ambience of the rooms is romantic, with fireplaces and warm décor. East 40, opened in 1975, is filled with antiques and pictures from Europe and America. Dinner is a little on the expensive side, but couples can eat lunch for a reasonable price. A little bit of Italy
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Looking for an Italian night out, couples may try Johnny Carinos. Couples can watch their meal being cooked, or they can sit in their own little alcove. The dim lighting and Italian style set
the mood for a dreamy evening. The night can start out with an appetizer such as Italian nachos, hand - breaded calamari or Italian sliders. Pizza, panini, salads, pastas, or a Carino specialty, 16 Layer Lasagna can be eaten for the main entree. Tiramisu, cheesecake, or Italian chocolate cake will fulfill the sweet tooth.
There is also a VIP date night. “You come to the show and you get privately ushered and they take you to box seating and for two people, you get a bottle of wine and dessert and coffee and beverage service throughout the night,” Bernhardt said excitedly. Whatever floats your boat
The Lewis and Clark Riverboat also holds an exciting and new
experience for many couples. There are afternoon, evening, and sunset cruises. Even specialty cruises such as the Papa Murphy’s Pizza cruise, the Taco Del Mar cruise, and the Smokin’ BBQ cruise are scheduled for certain nights. Depending on the cruise, a couple can look at the beautiful Missouri River for an hour to an hour and a half. So couples, do not be afraid to think outside the box when coming up with a date. An idea from the heart is better than just finding somewhere to go.
Anything but outdated
Instead of going to a movie, a couple can go a different route and see a play. Dakota Stage Playhouse on Main Street in Bismarck is “a unique element to the community” Amber Bernhardt, the Executive Director at Dakota Stage said. They offer many different types of plays, such as musicals, comedies, and holiday shows. Different from the movies, the actors are local. “Everybody that works with us is part of the community,” Bernhardt said. So not only are couples going to a great show, they are helping out a local business as well. If a couple wants to be scared, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is coming up in time for Halloween. Dakota Stage also puts on special events such as a stand up comedian. Couples can specifically have a date night at the theater. Dakota Stage and Peacock Alley work together
photo [sarah morris]
sarah morris [writer]
to form a great experience that includes a four course dinner at Peacock Alley and a show ticket all for $45 per person.
Lewis and Clark Riverboat Excursiions offer date night options.
Mystician | October 2012
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o p inion
14 | Editorial Guest column 15 | From a mind’s eye Don’t believe everything you see 16 | Beyond outspoken There is a time and place for rudeness
photo [alyssa meier]
Breann Harm [Board of Governors president]
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Many people, especially younger generations, disregard politics. People think it isn’t important or that their votes won’t make a difference. Why should they care? Why, as a student at a small school, in a small city located in a small state, should they care?
You should care because this is your country. These people on the TV making promises are going to be leading the way. These people are going to be guiding the ship that is your future.
Your education.
Your home.
Your job.
Your taxes.
Your life.
You should care because one of those faces you see in the news is going to end up being the president of this country and that will affect everyone. To not care about what is going on in politics is to not care about the future of this generation and many to come. Care because one vote can make a difference. Because one vote can set the example for others.
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Mission Statement The purpose of college media is to serve and give voice to the students. We, as the student-based forum of journalism on campus, are expected to provide content that is informative, fair and concise. With this goal in mind, the newspaper is dedicated to striving for accuracy and maintaint ethical practices. The Bismarck State College Mystician strives to be objective and is not affiliated with any religion or organization. The Mystician upholds the principles guaranteed by te First Amendment and utilizes these rights to bring diverse, entertaining and thought-provoking material to the college community.
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With elections rapidly approaching, it is time for students to turn their focus towards the often unpopular and widely disliked world of politics.
Because many people fought and died for our right to vote. Because not every person in the world has this right. Care enough to be informed before you head to the polls. Watch for a handout on the political candidates in the coming weeks to find out who and what you are voting for, because voting blindly is worse than not voting at all.
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Disclaimer Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual writer and not necessarily shard by Bismarck State College or the Mystician staff. We welcome comments and letters from our readers. All letters to the editor must be signed and include contact information.
Student body president explains BOG breann harm [guest writer] The Bismarck State College Board of Governors (BOG) is made up of representatives from most of the student organizations on campus and is open to any interested students. The board meets weekly to decide how student activity fees are spent and which programs will be available for students. The Board sponsors various activities, entertainment and community service events. These activities include, but are not limited to: dances, club fairs, hypnotists, comedians, casino nights, and community service projects. Recently, the Board participated in a breast cancer awareness project called Apple Fest. The board members ran various booths at the event, and all the proceeds went to the Cancer Association. The Board also hosted Oktoberfest festivities this past week which included free pretzels, slushies, popcorn, hotdogs, bratwursts and sauerkraut that was offered to the
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students at the Student Union. The Board is also involved with the North Dakota Student Association (NDSA). NDSA is made up of the 11 colleges and universities in North Dakota. Monthly meetings are held at a chosen North Dakota college. At these meetings, students discuss issues that affect the students in North Dakota. I have been involved in BOG since my freshman year at BSC. This year I am the President of this great organization. BOG has been very beneficial for me, both educationally and socially. It is a great group to learn leadership and professional skills, while also getting the chance to network with young upcoming professionals. Through Board of Governors, students are given the chance to have their voices heard on issues that directly affect them as students. This group is not for people that are going into Political Science. Yes, it is great group to learn from if you are, but it offers much more than just the political side of things. The students who are involved in this organization
are going into various degrees. I have met students through this organization going into the Medical Field to the Aviation Field. It is a very diverse group comprised of students who want to expand their professional horizons. BOG members can also receive one class credit, which fulfills an enrichment requirement for graduation. As your student body President, I would like
you to feel free and comfortable coming to me with any questions or concerns you may have. I do have Facebook, so feel free to use that as a way to contact me. If all else fails, you will always be able to find me in the Alumni Room of the Student Union at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, when we meet. If you want your voice to be heard, or just have some fun, feel free to come check us out.
Breann Harm joined the Board of Governors freshamn year.
Mystician | October 2012
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photo [jack pieper]
From A Mind’s Eye
Chakras create self awarness alesha pfennig [content editor] In the last issue of the Mystician, I talked about staying spiritually healthy through the use of chakras. I know how it goes; you read something that could easily be pursued, but never follow through with it. To freshen up a bit, a chakra is an energy center within the body. Working from the inside out, they maintain our health. They can open a whole new door in understanding not only ourselves, but also a better understanding of the world around us. In this go-round, I will explain the seven main chakra centers individually. This will hopefully make chakras a little bit easier to comprehend and keep the interest a little bit longer.
Sitting over the stomach, the Solar Chakra filters energy into our organs to help break down nutrients for digestion. It creates self-value and our perception of the quality in our relationships. If we fail to acknowledge ourselves, our personal identity becomes weak, causing us to evade situations. This can prevent the gain of education and achieving independence. When the Solar Chakra is fueling the body, self-esteem, confidence and freedom of choice are stimulated; our passion is energized, and basic instincts are controlled. The Heart Chakra is the center of the main chakras. It keeps life’s force alive physically and emotionally, allowing love to move through our lives. On a physical level, the Heart Chakra
The Throat Chakra covers one’s external and internal throat and everything up to the nose. When creativity, willpower, truth, communication and personal integrity become blocked by suppressed feelings, energy is prevented from rising to the upper centers. Substance abuse, gossip and lying negatively affect the Throat Chakra. When the center is healthy, our ability to communicate thoughts, feelings and ideas clearly is controlled. The second to last chakra, known as the Third Eye, sits between the eyebrows. Wisdom, knowledge and intuition help control the flow of hormones and respond to attitudes about others and ourselves, which helps seek meaning, truth and freedom. The final chakra is the Crown Chakra. Sitting at the top of the head, it provides us with motivation to deepen the unforgettable connection by the source of our being. By controlling the sense of happiness and joy, we are allowed to feel loved,
guided and protected. This in return offers energy to help us feel one with the rest of life. Chakras can be confusing, but understanding them is the first step in utilizing and recognizing they are there. Using crystals, gemstones and meditation are a few ways to acknowledge the chakras. Meditation is the most common way, and my personal preference, to tap into them. A quiet environment is needed to meditate, with no distractions, a comfy place to sit and soft, music, if desired. Start with controlled breathing and recognizing each chakra center, starting with the Root Chakra. While only thinking about breathing, clear out everything else – everything – visualize the air traveling through the body, smoothly passing through each chakra center. Don’t get discouraged if the concentration is broken. It takes practice; consistent practice. Once concentration can be maintained, meditation will happen and the brain focuses on each breath as it moves through the chakras. Trust me, non of this is going to happen right away. It took me quite a few times to fully meditate, but eventually it comes naturally. Have patience and welcome the new sense of awareness.
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The first chakra center is at the base of the spine and pulls energy from earth’s core. This chakra is known as the Root Chakra and moves energy up through the feet, while energizing blood and tissues. It carries attitudes and prejudices formed by culture and family. Aggression, which turns to anger and violence, greatly affects the chakra’s energy and causes a sense of fear. Once aggression is diminished, the chakra allows for creativity and a healthy lifestyle to be obtained.
The next chakra is called the Sacral Chakra and is located in the pelvis. The ability to enjoy life, move forward and have the sense of deserving a good life, is promoted by this chakra. If feelings are not expressed about what we deserve, or lack, frustration will be noticed. To release that frustrated energy, one must be grateful for what one has and know when enough is enough – of anything.
accommodates just that, the heart. Emotional pain and the spiritual heart are protected on the energetic level. This chakra allows one to avoid hurting others and thrives on friendship, joy, peace and understanding.
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The alarm goes off, and so the stressful day begins. You have a flat tire. You are late for class. Your bank account is overdrawn. Class is longer than expected, and you are late for your job.
with a push of the power button, you are sucked into the lives of the Kardashian’s chasing each other around their mansion with a piece of dog caca. Don’t lie; you know you have found yourself in this position, even you, mister manly man.
Finally, the day has come to an end. You find yourself in front of the TV.
Now the question is why and how did we allow this to happen to us? Is it all for those few hours or minutes of bliss? More often than not, the answer is yes.
In today’s society, it has almost become second nature to use television as a sort of escape. Instead of thinking about your own dramas and baby mamas,
When you think about it, when is the last time you watched a program to learn something? OK, now let’s be honest, something truly educational. Priding yourself
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on learning something valuable off any sort of reality television is a stretch. I am talking straight up Mr. Rogers’ Picture Picture, ‘this is how sneakers are made’ type of learn something. Maybe it is the connection we feel with the actors or actresses that keep us coming back for more. I know that I can’t be the only one who has ever thought, “Ermahgerd, me and Chelsea Handler would make the total best BFFs ever and we could go shopping and throw things and ... ” You get the jest of it.
It is part of our human nature, but this sort of thinking may result with you living with Mz. Fluffy Feline and all her fifty descendants, drooling over McDreamy, tipping back a bottle of Xanax, after being diagnosed with celebrity worship syndrome.
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Don’t believe everything you see
It may sound like there is no hope, but there is, my friend, there is. There are colonies you can join where they do not even own televisions. A less extreme way to handle this is to simply coexist. Let Snooki do her thing and you do yours. Or do the same thing as Snooki. Nobody should judge you too harshly.
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photo [jack pieper]
Beyond Outspoken
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Pump the brakes on bad driving habits alyssa meier [editor-in-chief ]
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We begged and pleaded, hoped and hankered. All we wanted was our turn behind the wheel. They handed us that sacred chunk of plastic and we were free. The world was magical and completely in our hands. We were so naive. Now we’re stuck in the horrible world of driving, surrounded by what seems to be either overconfident 15-year-olds or very confused senior citizens. Sometimes the daily task of driving to and from our destinations becomes almost too much to handle. So here are 10 tips to help you tackle the roadways without being tempted to drive into the ditch. Using a blinker not only gives people around you notice that you are going to move your vehicle elsewhere. It also shows consideration for your fellow human being. Slowly moving into the other lane is not a substitute. Also, when another car is waiting for you to pass so he or she can go, use your blinker so no one sits there wasting time just to watch you turn. Seriously, your light bulbs are not going to burn out if you just take
a second to turn your blinker on. I promise. Speeding as soon as the light turns green even though the next one is red isn’t rude, or dangerous even. This really doesn’t do anything but cause an inconvenience to you and waste gas. Yes, your two-toned Honda has a whopping 70 horses under the hood that you’re dying to unleash, but all you are going to do is end up slamming on the brakes five seconds later when you come to the next stoplight. Save some gas, relax, and proceed calmly with the rest of the public. I know we all have days when there doesn’t seem to be enough time for everything and we try to multitask just to save a minute. Though it is tempting, there are some things that need to wait until you are no longer behind the wheel. So no, you can not eat your waffle on the go. You probably shouldn’t be fixing your makeup or your hair and please, please stop trying to change your pants in the middle of the interstate. Really, what are you going to do when you get into an accident and all you’re wearing is tighty-whiteys? Explain that to the cop. I fail to understand why so many individuals insist on driving
4 feet behind the car in front of them. It’s pointless. Why would that motivate anyone to go faster? I go slower, just to bother you. Also, as soon as that car you are tailing needs to hit the breaks, you and your impatience will go slamming into their rear end. You’re cool. Everyone can tell. So why bother even revving your engine and peeling out every time you leave a parking lot or go around a corner? There is nothing more appealing than the sound of tires squealing out of the gas station parking lot. Please, keep it to a minimum or people close by may find it difficult to refrain from throwing themselves at you, you big lug. Weaving in and out of traffic in the middle of the city is for the movies. This is Bismarck, North Dakota, not the set of Fast and the Furious. Besides looking a little ridiculous, it really doesn’t get you very far. At that stoplight ahead of you, all those cars you just cut off are going to be sitting right behind you. You aren’t gaining much ground or saving much time, just giving people a reason to dislike you. Save it for Gran Turismo. I will make this very simple. People drive cars on the street to get places, right? Sometimes,
on their way, they come across a red light. When they stop at this red light, they often end up next to another car and glance at the driver. This does not mean they want to race you. Really. No one cares. You just won a race against a 60-year-old lady on her way to water aerobics that wasn’t even aware that she was in a race. Congrats. Slowly creeping forward while waiting at a red light is not going to make it change faster. It won’t. You try and get a head start by inching forward, but you merely end up parked in the middle of the intersection waiting to be hit. Your purse. Your pocket. Your glovebox. Hell, your trunk. There are a hundred better places to have your phone when you are driving besides your hands. Whether you are texting or talking or creeping on your ex’s Facebook, it can wait. Here is the last, and possibly most important tip: calm down. There is always going to be someone out there who will cut you off or ride your tail for miles. Let it go. Don’t let some stranger ruin your day. Take a breath, put down your finger and just keep driving.
There is a time and place for rudeness emily poppe [writer] Walking through the halls of Bismarck State College, a person can expect to be bumped, pushed and shoved in the scuffle to get to class on time. This is understandable, especially during the morning rush when just about everyone is in the worst mood they’ll be in all day. But later in the day, after people have woken up, gotten a bite to eat, and possibly ingested some caffeine, wouldn’t it make sense to demonstrate a little common courtesy? Everyone knows that in stressful situations, it can be very hard to go out of one’s way to be kind to another person. The last thing most people want to do is offer a big wave and a blinding smile to the person inching closer to their bumper in a traffic jam.
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This would be an appropriate time to ignore everyone else, get a little aggressive and snag the only open space in the parking lot. After classes are released and the frantic mob slows to a lazy, hungry blob on their way to lunch, people can relax, take a deep breath and become members of society once again. This is when a bump in the shoulder or getting cut off in the parking lot is no longer just part of the routine: it’s rude. People in college tend to have tunnel vision when it comes to our agendas. Wake myself up. Get myself to class. Get myself something to eat. Get myself to another class. Get myself home. This is because we’re the ones paying for the education to make a better life for ourselves. Still, there are other people in the hallway, on the road and in the world. It is not acceptable to blot everyone else
out of the picture to accomplish our goals for the day. In this fast-paced day and age, courtesy seems to be a dying trait among average citizens. “Excuse me” in a crowded hallway, “please” while placing an order in a busy drive-through, and “thank you” to the person who held the door open have become chores rather than reflexes. How hard is it, really, to watch where we’re going, to hold the door a second longer, or to apologize for doing something rude? It’s not hard at all. Well-mannered people still exist. In fact, a few of them tend to surprise us around campus with effortless displays of common courtesy. With these refreshingly civilized men and women blazing the trails, the rest of us only need to let our tunnel vision melt away and follow their example.
Mystician | October 2012
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sports
18 | B aseball team prepares Student crafts bows 19 | N yle Williams Calendar of events
photo [alyssa meier]
Nyle Williams [BSC soccer player]
Changes make coach opti-mystic jhett cihak [sports editor] Nick See instructs Computer Information classes at Bismarck State College. See grew up in Bismarck and went to school at BSC while playing baseball for the Mystics. It was destiny for him to become the Mystic’s head baseball coach. See is entering his third season for Bismarck State as head coach and commented about the potential of this year’s squad.
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“I’m enthusiastic,” See said. “Good attitudes, that’s nice to see, good baseball players.”
“The new metal bats are kind of nice because they are very similar to wood,” See said. Last year, the Williston State Tetons totalled 30 wins during the spring season of 2012. See explained how he feels this year’s Bismarck team will fare against the Tetons. “They have been the team to beat,” See said of the Mon-Dak Conference winners in 2012, the Tetons. “Last year they [Williston] set a record for the most wins in their program’s history,” See said. “This [BSC] team, as
I see it, is every bit as good as Williston last year, talent wise.” Pitching is a vital part of a strong baseball team. Teams must have depth and solid starting to be successful for an entire baseball season. “We’ve got a lot of experience,” See said. “We did pretty well last year. We return some pretty good pitching. If he [Jordan Kenner] can pitch, he had some shoulder problems this summer, [he] could probably be the best pitcher in the conference. He’s got that kind of talent.” The Mystics will have to find ways to score. BSC’s hitting ability is not to be underestimated as they are returning an All-Region player Brad McArthur back for his second year with the Mystics.
“We’ve got some very good hitters,” See said. “Brad can put the bat on the ball. Outfield wise he is solid.” The freshman class consists of athletes from Arkansas, Montana, Minnesota, Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota and in North Dakota. “The freshman class is very talented,” See said. “If they can just follow the sophomores’ lead initially and get comfortable playing at this level, we can have a very good freshman and sophomore class together.” The Mystics kick off the short fall season Oct. 6 and 7 against Century College in Minnesota. With the confidence of the coach behind them this upcoming season will determine who is the team-tobeat in the Mon-Dak Conference.
photos [alesha pfennig]
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This year the Mon-Dak Conference has made some changes by adding a new team from the Minnesota region and switching from wooden bats to
Bat-Ball Coefficient of Restitution bats. BBCOR metal bats reduce the rate of speed the ball comes off the bat, making them safer and more controllable.
Chris Vinson prepares to throw the ball to home base during practice.
jack pieper [life editor] Austin Fettig is currently a Bismarck State College sophomore who carries more weight on his shoulders than the average 19-year-old college student. For those who do not know Fettig, he is many things - parttime archery salesman at Scheels, decorated competition archery shooter and the owner of his own custom archery equipment business, all on top of being a full time college student Early in 2012, Fettig decided to take full advantage of his extensive knowledge of bows and archery equipment by starting his own custom bowstring business, Prestige Archery. “Archery is something I’m really passionate about,” Fettig said. “Since there aren’t really any local archery businesses, I saw tremendous room for growth and opportunity.”
Austin Fettig works on perfecting his custom made bow strings.
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Fettig said he learned the custom archery equipment business by “designing and constructing the equipment needed” and “by watching countless YouTube videos and reading hundreds of archerytalk.com forums.” In its first year of business,
Prestige Archery’s custom bowstrings have made their way onto bows from Bismarck to halfway around the world. Recently, Fettig completed an order of strings for a German archery company. Fettig first got into archery about seven years ago at Sportsmen’s Warehouse in Fargo, where he shot, and purchased his first bow. That night, when Fettig returned to Bismarck, the movie Robin Hood was playing on TV. Fettig said that is what got him “hooked on archery.” From there, Fettig began competing in archery target shooting competitions around the state where he found his niche. He soon became the number one young adult archery shooter in North Dakota. Fettig has quite an impressive record with 27 first place finishes and 21 top 10 finishes. Fettig’s impressive record attracted the attention of numerous archery equipment companies and seven sponsors. “It is very difficult, but the absolute biggest thing is to take time for myself and just relax,” Fettig said about how he manages his time. When he has free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with friends and family.
Mystician | October 2012
]
BSC scores Canadian soccer player, eh was bound to have nicknames on the soccer team. His teammates call him Terrance, from the animated TV show South Park, and is also known as Canada around campus. Williams is very confident about the soccer team this year.
jhett cihak [sports editor] Nyle Williams was born and raised in Swan River, a town in Manitoba, Canada of approximately 4,000 people. Williams played both soccer and the popular Canadian sport, hockey and excelled at both. Proximity to home and soccer is what brought him to Bismarck State College. After several visits to the campus, Williams enrolled at BSC.
“I think we have a chance of winning our regional tournament this year,” Williams said. Soccer is not as big in Canada as here in North Dakota, but in the town of Swan River, it is rather popular. Williams enjoys the town of Bismarck and Bismarck State College. He is living on campus in Werner Hall and enjoys the food at the Student Union, especially the tacos. One thing that Williams does not have the delicacy of in Canada is Buffalo Wild Wings. Most Canadian towns have McDonalds and Burger King, but they rarely have Taco Bell according to Williams.
The drive from Swan River to Bismarck is approximately ten hours, so it is not an easy voyage. Williams is studying to become an Athletic Therapist. Williams’ favorite class this semester is speech and he enjoys speaking in front of people in just about anything.
At BSC, he plays Left Winger, which requires him to attack the midfield where he focuses on offense and passing the ball, but he also plays defense.
BSC soccer player Nyle Williams shows his relaxed personality while keeping a soccer ball close by.
Being from Canada, Williams
Williams’ goal of becoming an Athletic Therapist depends on where he finishes his degree. He hopes to end up working in Canada and furthering his education there. Williams is still adjusting to the American lifestyle and is enjoying himself by living it up in Bismarck.
CTOBER
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Papa’s Pumpking Patch Open noon - 7 p.m. through Oct. 20
World Vegetarian Day
Name Your Car Day
Volleyball 7 p.m. Armory BSC vs. Dawson
National Golf Day
Funky Friday Ice Cream Student Union
German-American Day
8
American Tag Day
2
9
Moldy Cheese Day
Board of Governors 4 p.m. Student Union
10
Cotton Candy 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Student Union BOG Jeans Day BOG 4 p.m. SU
14
15
White Cane Safety Day
16
Dictionary Day
BOG 4 p.m. SU
21
Soccer NJCAA Region XIII Tournament Women TBA / Men TBA Community Bowl
22
National Nut Day
23
Grocery Bag Bingo 8 p.m. Student Union
Fall Play “Dancing at Lughnasa” 2:30 p.m. Sidney J. Lee Auditorium
28
Plush Animal Lover’s Day
[ October
29
Bookstore: Halloween Sale and Pumpkin Carving 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2012|Mystician
30
Bookstore: Halloween Sale
24
Brownie Bar 11 a.m. - 1 p..m. Student Union
BOG 4 p.m. SU
31
Bookstore: Halloween Sale and Costume Contest Free Popcorn & Slushies 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Trick or Treat Table 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. SU Foyer BOG 4 p.m. SU
5
6
Gay-Straight Alliance Club 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Student Union Flickertail
11
It’s My Party Day
Project Pink Central Market / BOG Registration 3 p.m. Decorating 4 p.m. Auction 5:30 p.m.
18
12
Funky Friday Ice Cream Student Union FREE Cake 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. BSC Mystic Volleyball Invitational
19
13
BSC Mystic Volleyball Invitational Soccer BSC vs. Anoka Ramsey Women 6 p.m. / Men 8 p.m. Community Bowl
20
Health Fair 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Student Union
Funky Friday Ice Cream Student Union
Soccer NJCAA Region XIII Tournament Women TBA / Men TBA Community Bowl
Fall Play “Dancing at Lughnasa” 7:30 p.m. Sidney J. Lee Auditorium
Fall Play “Dancing at Lughnasa” 7:30 p.m. Sidney J. Lee Auditorium
Fall Play “Dancing at Lughnasa” 7:30 p.m. Sidney J. Lee Auditorium
Funky Friday Ice Cream Student Union
Basketball Scrimmage BSC vs. Presentation Women 2 p.m. / Men 4 p.m.
Stage Fright Haunted House 6 - 11 p.m. Leach Music Center
Stage Fright Haunted House 6 - 11 p.m. Leach Music Center
November 2
November 3
25
Punk For A Day Day
November 1
Plan Your Epitaph Day
26
National Deviled Egg Day
Funky Friday Ice Cream Student Union
]
Price is Right 8 p.m. Student Union
Soccer BSC vs. Dak. County Tech. Women 12 p.m. / Men 2 p.m. Community Bowl
17
Fall Play “Dancing at Lughnasa” 7:30 p.m. Sidney J. Lee Auditorium
4
[ ]
Massage Chairs 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Student Union
3
[
7
Conversations at BSC 3 p.m. Sidney J. Lee Auditorium
1
27
Community Bowl
Sandwich Day
graphic [andy mullin]
photo [alyssa meier]
After his two years at BSC, Williams is hoping to transfer to the University of Winnipeg, where he hopes to continue his soccer career.
19
Bismarck State College Theatre Presents
v
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play “This is no way a play to be missed —simply a wondrous experience. Experience it.” —NY Post.
Reserve Tickets 701-224-5511
Dancing Lughnasa
By Brian Friel
October 17-20 at 7:30 pm October 21 at 2:30pm
Sidney J. Lee Auditorium
Reserve Tickets $10.00 with any BSC ID $3.00